Msasani Village Crafts, associated with the Sea Cliff Village complex on Toure Drive on the Msasani Peninsula of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, is a small cluster of upmarket gift, craft and jewellery shops in one of the city's wealthier waterfront neighbourhoods. The specialty is higher-end souvenirs and gifts: jewellery set with tanzanite, the violet-blue gemstone found only in northern Tanzania, as well as silver and beadwork pieces, carved items, paintings, fabrics, homeware and curios. Compared with the open markets at Mwenge or Kariakoo, the stock is curated and the quality more consistent, but prices are noticeably higher and the proportion of rough-and-ready trinkets is lower. Prices are usually marked and mostly fixed, with limited discounts possible on larger purchases such as gemstones. Card payments are commonly accepted in the shops, with cash in shillings or US dollars also used, and gemstone buyers should always request a receipt and, where available, a certificate of authenticity. No general tourist tax-refund scheme applies. Visitors should be cautious with tanzanite, which has many treated and imitation stones in circulation, and buy only from reputable dealers. The atmosphere is calm and affluent, with air-conditioned shops, a quiet courtyard setting and little street selling. Restaurants and cafes in the Sea Cliff area, including the nearby hotel and complex, supply food and drink, and Slipway Shopping Centre lies a short drive away on the same peninsula. The shops are best suited to visitors looking for finished gifts, jewellery and well-presented crafts, and they are often used by those staying in nearby hotels or by diners at neighbouring restaurants. Late mornings and afternoons on weekdays are relaxed.
| Hours | Daily 9:00-20:00 |
|---|---|
| Price | $$$ |
| Address | Toure Drive, Msasani Peninsula, Dar es Salaam |
Location
Toure Drive, Msasani Peninsula, Dar es Salaam
-6.7485, 39.2745 View on map
Highlights
- Tanzanite jewellery from established dealers
- Curated gifts, silver and beadwork, and local crafts in air-conditioned shops
- Quiet courtyard setting on the Msasani Peninsula
- Close to Slipway and waterfront restaurants
Tips for visiting
- Buy tanzanite only from reputable dealers and request a receipt and certificate of authenticity.
- Expect largely fixed prices; ask politely for a discount on larger purchases.
- Combine with Slipway Shopping Centre on the same peninsula for a wider choice.
- Compare prices with Mwenge Woodcarvers Market for simple carvings, which cost less there.
When to visit
Weekday late mornings and afternoons are quiet and relaxed. Weekends bring more diners and visitors to the area.
Accessibility
The shops are mostly on level ground in a paved complex, which generally suits visitors with limited mobility, though individual units may have steps.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main specialty?
Gifts and jewellery, particularly pieces set with tanzanite, along with crafts, fabrics and homeware.
Are prices negotiable?
Mostly fixed, though a small discount may be offered for larger purchases.
How can buyers avoid fake tanzanite?
Visitors should buy from established dealers and ask for a receipt and a certificate of authenticity.
Are cards accepted?
Card payment is commonly accepted in the shops, though visitors may wish to carry some cash.